INJURY REPORT: Williams DNP, Christopher Owens is up
101128 Atlanta - The Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders perform between the 1st and 2nd quarter at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com
FLOWERY BRANCH — The Falcons appear set to face Green Bay’s high voltage passing attack, which was fifth in the league while averaging 257.8 yards, without their top nickel back.
Brian Williams, who suffered a knee injury in the season finale against Carolina, did not practice on Friday. He has not practiced since suffering the injury and it would be unlikely for head coach Mike Smith to put him on the field without any practice in two weeks.
Williams is officially listed as doubtful for the game, meaning that the team is 75 percent certain that he will not play.
Defensive end John Abraham (groin), defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (shoulder), middle linebacker Curtis Lofton (limited), wide receiver Roddy White (knee) and safety Thomas DeCoud (ankle) all fully
Atlanta Falcons' Chris Owens, right, intercepts a pass intended for Buffalo Bills' Terrell Owens, left, in the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)
participated in practice and were listed as questionable for the game.
All are expected to play.
With Williams likely out, second-year man Christopher Owens will take back over at nickel back.
Owens, a third round pick from San Jose State in 2009, played extensively as a rookie and finished the season as the starting left cornerback. He opened the 2010 season as the top nickel back while Williams was working his way back from offseason knee surgery.
Owens was heavily targeted against Cincinnati and made 13 tackles. Williams took over as the top nickel back the following week against Tampa Bay and helped to stabilize the young secondary.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter
Get instant updates on Twitter at AJCFalcons and you can join the Facebook Fan page at AJC Falcons.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
111 comments Add your comment
Wisconsin Packer/Skynyrd Fan
January 15th, 2011
11:19 am
Happy Birthday Ronnie Van Zant January 15th
Go Packers!!!
Earl Austin Jr.
January 15th, 2011
11:26 am
Now Vince,,, be nice…
Falcons Roll tonight.
FalconsFan284
January 15th, 2011
11:58 am
Vince Lombardi—–I’ve been to Wisconsin and it’s a great place; to take a nap!!!!!
Cheese Whiz
January 15th, 2011
12:01 pm
I’m amused by the numbskulls who are forgetting which team is the #1 seed and playing at home after a whole week of rest and which team is the LOWEST REMAINING SEED!! LOL!!
Dirty Birdz Rule!
January 15th, 2011
12:07 pm
Hey Packer Fans! I’ve got news for you! Tonight a new dynasty in the NFL gets national recognition! This is a statement game for this team. Neither Matty Ice or future hall of famer Tony Gonzalez have won a postseason game. I grew up a Cleveland Browns fan (still my favorite AFC team), but moved here in ‘82, so I know a little something about tradition. I am proud to be in Atlanta to see the emergence of a great NFL power for years to come. Have a good time watching the Georgia Dome rock! Your quarterback will have better luck trying to call plays on the runway at Hartsfield Airport. Go Falcons! Rise up! This is our time!
Bobby Petrino
January 15th, 2011
12:28 pm
82% of Georgia natives are introduced to their future spouses at family reunions.
Eric C.
January 15th, 2011
12:40 pm
So why are White, Abraham, etc. all listed as questionable, but then are all expected to play? Shouldn’t they be listed as probable?
It’s tough to lose that veteran presence in Williams…the defensive line will need to bring their A game for sure.
Ross
January 15th, 2011
1:09 pm
Eric C, it’s just conventional – 100, 75, 50, 25, 0 percent chance to play = will play, probable, questionable, doubtful, out.
AG
January 15th, 2011
1:37 pm
Lets eat some cheesecake tonight.
NuclearJim
January 15th, 2011
2:54 pm
Prediction! Packers go down like a drunken Georgia sorority girl on her homecoming date. Bird’s win 28 – 10
stendek
January 15th, 2011
9:55 pm
Enter your comments hereMatt Ryan is playing worse than Jeff George AND Chris Miller. What the Hell was he thinking? A tackle on the damn interception would have been nice! Kept game within striking distance. Packers have now iced this one away. Excellent season officially in toilet! Thanks for nothing offense. Chokers! Watching best team in NFC. Guys with Georgia Gs on helmets. I WISH! Sorry Falcons. Matt Ryan proved is he pretender not contender! Critics were correct all along. Too damn bad!
STENDEK